10-Q/APeriod: Q3 FY2003

BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB CO Quarterly Report (Amendment) for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2003

Filed March 31, 2004For Securities:BMYCELG-RIBMYMP

Summary

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) has filed an amendment to its Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003. This filing includes restated consolidated financial statements due to corrections in accounting policies and errors in the application of GAAP. The restatements primarily impacted retained earnings, earnings per share, and cash and cash equivalents. Despite these restatements, the company reported improved financial performance in the third quarter of 2003 compared to the prior year, driven by strong sales growth across its key segments, particularly Pharmaceuticals, supported by major products like Plavix and Pravachol. Investors should note the significant impact of legal proceedings and contingencies, including substantial reserves set aside for wholesaler inventory issues and pricing/marketing practices. While the company is actively addressing these issues and strengthening internal controls, the potential for material impact on future results remains. The company's outlook for 2004, as outlined in its subsequent 10-K filing, will be crucial for assessing its recovery and future growth trajectory.

Key Highlights

  • 1Restated financial statements for the period ending September 30, 2003, primarily to correct accounting policies and errors in GAAP application.
  • 2Net earnings from continuing operations increased significantly to $906 million for Q3 2003 from $310 million in Q3 2002, and to $2.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, from $1.64 billion in the prior year.
  • 3Worldwide sales increased by 19% to $5.37 billion for Q3 2003, driven by a 14% volume increase and 10% favorable foreign exchange impact.
  • 4Pharmaceuticals segment sales grew 21% in Q3 2003, with key products like Plavix, Pravachol, and Avapro/Avalide showing strong performance.
  • 5The company established significant reserves of $250 million in Q4 2003 for wholesaler inventory issues and pharmaceutical pricing/marketing practices.
  • 6Cash and cash equivalents, along with marketable securities, increased to $5.0 billion at September 30, 2003, from $4.0 billion at December 31, 2002.
  • 7Ongoing legal proceedings and contingencies, including significant litigation and investigations, continue to be a material factor impacting the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bristol-Myers Squibb has restated its financial statements to correct certain historical accounting policies to conform with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and to correct certain errors made in the application of GAAP. These restatements impacted prior periods and primarily involved adjustments to retained earnings, earnings per share, and cash and cash equivalents classifications.

The company reported a significant increase in net earnings from continuing operations to $906 million ($0.47 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2003, compared to $310 million ($0.16 per diluted share) in the same period of 2002. Worldwide sales also increased by 19% to $5.37 billion, driven by strong sales across its segments, particularly Pharmaceuticals.

The company faces significant risks from ongoing legal proceedings and contingencies. This includes substantial reserves set aside for wholesaler inventory issues and pricing/sales/marketing practices. Additionally, there are ongoing investigations and litigations related to various products and business practices, which could have a material impact on the company's financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

The company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities increased to approximately $5.0 billion at September 30, 2003, from $4.0 billion at December 31, 2002. The majority of this cash is held by foreign subsidiaries.